NWA Creatives: Stop Mixing Business and Personal Finances

If you're a creative professional in Northwest Arkansas—whether you're a photographer, graphic designer, videographer, or content creator—you likely got into business to create, not to manage spreadsheets and receipts.

But here’s the hard truth:
If you’re mixing your personal and business finances, you’re setting yourself up for stress, confusion, and missed deductions.

This is one of the most common financial mistakes I see with creative entrepreneurs—and it can cost you big, especially come tax season.

Financial Tip: Separate Your Business and Personal Finances

Open a dedicated business checking account and business credit card. Use them only for business transactions. Then connect those accounts to bookkeeping software like QuickBooks Online to track everything clearly.

Why this matters:

• Avoids the headache of sorting through personal charges during tax time

• Makes your bookkeeping clean, organized, and audit-proof

• Helps you understand your actual profit and cash flow

• Maximizes tax deductions you might otherwise miss

• Looks more professional to clients, banks, and potential collaborators

You don’t need to be an accountant to manage your finances—you just need a system that works for your creative workflow.

I’m Dr. Bryan Raya, a QuickBooks ProAdvisor and fellow entrepreneur based here in NWA. I work with creatives all over the region to help them get control of their finances, stay compliant, and grow confidently.

That’s why I created the DBR Bookkeeping Online Community—a space where creative entrepreneurs can learn, ask questions, and finally feel empowered around money.

👉 Join here:
https://www.skool.com/dbr-bookkeeping-8561/about

Let’s start Doing Business Right!

💬 FAQ for NWA Creatives

Why should creatives separate personal and business finances?
It keeps your books clean, simplifies taxes, and ensures you’re not missing deductible expenses.

Can I still deduct expenses if they’re on a personal card?
Sometimes—but it’s harder to track, easier to miss, and riskier during audits.

Do creatives really need bookkeeping software?
Yes—especially as your business grows. It saves time, reduces errors, and gives you clarity.

When should I start tracking finances?
Right now. The earlier you start, the easier it is to stay on top of your business.

Creative freedom starts with financial clarity. Join the DBR Bookkeeping Online Community today.